ALLEN PARK, Mich. – Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson shared his thoughts on facing elite pass rushers on the Cleveland Browns, handling quick turnarounds, and the team’s recent performance against the Baltimore Ravens.
When asked about matchups with other top pass rushers like Myles Garrett, Hutchinson said, “I don’t even think about it that way. Every game presents its different challenges. I’m rooting for Myles, and I’m sure he’s rooting for me.”
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The former Michigan Wolverines legend emphasized that his focus is more on competing with himself than with others.
Discussing the challenge of a quick turnaround from a Monday night win to a Sunday trap game, Hutchinson said, “I don’t even know if you could call any NFL game a trap game. Every game takes a certain amount of focus, drive, and willingness. If you don’t show up, you’re going to get your butt kicked.”
Cleveland Browns offense
On the upcoming opponent’s offense, Hutchinson acknowledged their strengths and expressed excitement about the Lions’ defensive opportunities.
“They got a good team, and I think we have a lot of opportunities this week to really show out as a defense,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson described the unique challenge of a Monday-to-Sunday schedule, noting limited rest and practice time.
“We get one off day, then we’re back on Wednesday. Practice is a little more chill, but you’re already behind the eight ball on sleep,” Hutchinson said.
Sacks on Monday Night Football
Reflecting on his sack of Lamar Jackson, Hutchinson explained, “I saw an opportunity and I took it. It was a play-action look, and the tackle was aggressive, trying to show run. I read it quickly, got out of it, and made a play.”
Hutchinson credited the Lions’ success in that game to combining a strong pass rush with solid coverage while accumulating seven sacks in the game.
“When you marry good rush with good coverage, a lot of good things happen. We were able to get the quarterback on the ground a lot,” Hutchinson said.
Regarding former Super Bowl champion for the Ravens in quarterback Joe Flacco, now with the Browns, Hutchinson noted, “He’s not as mobile as Lamar, but he knows his game. He gets the ball out quick and finds ways to make plays. He’s a great quarterback, and it’s going to be fun to match up against him.”
Hutchinson also mentioned learning from teammates, especially on techniques like forcing fumbles.
“Ever since I saw Amik (Robertson) get two fumbles against Tennessee last year, I was like, ‘That dude does it right,’" Hutchinson said.
History
The upcoming challenge against Cleveland’s vaunted defense, backed by Garrett, will be a tall task for the Lions’ offense.
Detroit leads the all-time series against the Browns, but the history between these two franchises includes four championship games, with the Lions’ last championship win coming in 1957.
The teams’ first significant matchups occurred in the 1950s, with both franchises frequently battling for league supremacy.
Detroit has won 19 of the 24 total games played between the two teams, although the Browns have won the most recent game, 13-10, inside Huntington Bank Field.
Here’s a fun fact: the Ravens were originally the Browns before they relocated from Cleveland to Baltimore in 1995, leading to a controversial decision where the city was able to retain the team name, while Charm City received the expansion team’s name.
With revenge on their minds, the Lions will host the Browns on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, inside Ford Field at 1 p.m.